( 01 ) video.

[oversleeps]

[ when the feed clicks on, marduk is in what appears to be a ruined building near the edge of town. there's snow on the floor and holes in the walls, but he's not wearing a single scrap of winter clothing. more importantly, he doesn't look especially pleased to be doing this. ]

Recently, one of the locals here went missing. Don't ask me what his name was, I'm not the one who gives a shit. I'm just here to solve the mystery.

He's missing because he's dead, and he's dead because I killed him.

[ he pauses here. it looks like it's for dramatic effect, but really he's just trying to figure out how to end the announcement. ]

Most of you would call that murder, wouldn't you? Can't remember if you all figured out what to do about that, but-- if you want retribution, you can come and get it.

[ good enough. the video ends there. ]

Comments

[oversleeps]

Which part are you confused about

[ he was kind of hoping it was a self-explanatory post, really. 8( ]

[implying]

I know it's a monumental struggle for you, but try not to be cute. Why are you claiming a murder?

[oversleeps]

I've heard that honesty is a virtue.
Maybe I've had a change of heart.

[implying]

I wouldn't believe that for a moment. Is this a joke, then? Gods, tell me it's a joke.

[oversleeps]

If it'd make you feel better
Absolutely
Isn't it hilarious
As it turns out
My true calling all along was comedy.

[implying]

Stop that, Marduk. Explain this, please.

[oversleeps]

[ there is a long, uncomfortable pause before he responds. ]

Hey
Can I ask a favor

[implying]

It would be a poor time for it. [ but still, yes, always yes. ] What is it?

[oversleeps]

Well
It's not a very inconvenient one
If that helps.

[implying]

Tell me.

[oversleeps]

I just need you to hold onto something for me
Later

[ pause. ]

And it's not related to this

[implying]

If I agree, will you tell me what this is about?

[oversleeps]

I guess
That'd be fair.

Can you be alone tonight
Preferably your house, but
Anywhere will do

[implying]

I can manage it, yes. Will you even still be around by then?

yoooo pretend i have human icons. ok. thank u

[oversleeps]

Please
You think I'd be run off so quickly?
Have a little faith.
I know it's asking a lot.

[ HOURS IN THE FUTURE, THO... many hours.

it is late at night by the time marduk sees fit to wander over to vanadi's neck of the woods, and once again, he pauses on his doorstep. he's at least done the courtesy of wearing the hologram emitter for once-- mostly because he wants to take care of this before anything properly awful occurs, and not any true desire to stay hidden-- but knocking on the door always makes him feel stupid. he's been here enough by now that he could teleport in blindly and not run the risk of crashing into something. just... that might be a bit rude.

he knocks.

marduk crosses his arms while he waits for vanadi to come to the door, staring off into the distance. he has no idea what he actually looks like with this damn thing on; hopefully he's recognizable enough. ]

speaking of asking a lot!!!!

[implying]

[ He's managed to shoo out his roommates, human and otherwise, so when he pulls open the door it's to an otherwise empty house. There's a second or two where he just blinks at Marduk, but — who else could it be? And he doesn't look that different.

So he reaches out, snags ahold of his wrist, and drags him inside. ]

:')

[oversleeps]

[ the dragging catches him off guard; there's no point in resisting it, though. he'd figured vanadi to be mad at him, yes, but this is... likely deserved. once they're inside proper, marduk doesn't bother trying to free his arm, instead just looking around to confirm the house was as empty as it had seemed from the outside. ]

Like what you've done with the place. [ it's kind of similar to saying thank you, isn't it? he does appreciate the alone time, after all. ] Could do with a better greeting, though.

[implying]

[ He purses his lips, but rather than answer, reaches down to twist off Marduk's holographic emitter. It's a familiar enough movement that he doesn't even need to shift his disapproving frown from Marduk's face for a second. He turns off his own next, then steps back to cross his arms over his chest. ]

I reserve the warmer welcomes for those not actively trying to get themselves killed. It seems a wiser investment.

[oversleeps]

[ ah. he can't say he's unhappy to be rid of the emitter's disguise, but he winces when vanadi turns it off all the same. he refuses to make eye contact today, opting instead to look down at his hands. at least they look familiar again. ]

You know, it's funny-- in Sharn, the undead aren't considered proper citizens. Apparently the right to be protected under any laws ends when you die, though you can fucking bet they're still going to hold you accountable for anything you do despite that. [ marduk shifts to one side, his hand finding the hilt of his sword and resting on it. his shoulders relax a little with that, though he still doesn't look up. ] I lived through ten years of that shit. By now, I'd like to think I'm pretty good at avoiding death.

[implying]

[ He listens with flattened ears, looking distinctly annoyed, but lets out a sigh toward the end. There's got to be some side of this he doesn't know yet, some very good reason. Right? He hopes, anyway. Vanadi leans up, setting a hand to either side of Marduk's face to drag him down into a quick kiss. And as he leans back again: ]

Forgive me for worrying, nonetheless. Will you explain this now?

[oversleeps]

[ now, the kiss is a bit more in line with what he expects out of vanadi. that's nice. definitely forgiven. ] Can you keep a secret?

[ not that it matters, actually. he doesn't bother to wait for an answer before continuing on. ] Apollo's the one who killed him. The post was just... [ he waves his other hand around. you know. whatever. for clarification, he adds: ] Someone found out.

[implying]

[ Ah. That does make some sense. He settles his hands to Marduk's sides and he doesn't look much happier, but at least any annoyance is gone. ]

Apollo? She's always struck me rather as... a woman who can well fend for herself.

[oversleeps]

[ the lack of annoyance he can definitely work with. marduk even offers him a smile, though his amusement definitely isn't reflected in his voice. ] Like hell she is.

[ that's all there is to say about that. what would you even know, anyway; all you did was sleep with her once ... his mouth tightens at the memory of that, smile getting a little grimmer. ] So which is the part that got you all pissed off? [ this is important to know. ]

[implying]

[ He quirks a brow, but — he won't argue that. It's true, after all, his contact with her has been decidedly limited. The question makes him sigh, though. ]

I would start with the question of murder, but if that was her, then most importantly is why? If someone found out, that's hardly cause to confess guilt to an entire network!

[oversleeps]

If you know of a better way to announce things publicly, I'm all ears. ( he even tilts his head to back up his statement. definitely listening, see?

but he doesn't stay like that; marduk lifts his hands with a placating gesture and a shrug. ) It was a bit rash. ( the closest he's willing to admit that it was a bad idea. ) A little late for regret now, hey?